Potato Wildland Fire Update

The Navajo County Sheriff’s Department has ordered a mandatory evacuation of the Chevelon Retreat & Chevelon Acres communities as a precautionary measure. These communities are located approx., 3 miles from the north flank of the Potato fire, & FR 153, the access road, has active fire on both sides of the road in several places. The fuels are more sparse near the subdivision. Both of these communities have been inundated with smoke for the last couple of days. The primary evacuation route for these communities is FR95, & the secondary route is north through private land. The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation shelter at the Capps Elementary School located 2 blocks south of Hwy 260, on the corner of Buckskin Canyon & Capps Road. The Navajo County Sheriffs Dept. is assisting residents who need help removing their livestock from the area & has made arrangements to house pets & livestock at the Navajo County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds are located at the cross streets of Hopi & 3rd Street. Evacuees needing assistance in transporting their pets & livestock can call the Navajo County Sheriff Dispatch at (928) 524-4050. Residents wanting more info on evacuation procedures can call Navajo County Emergency Management Operations Center at (928) 524-4701. The Potato Wildland Fire has burned over 2,800 acres & is at 30% containment. The Potato Complex originally consisted of 4 lightning fires that were situated in close proximity to each other. Currently only the Potato Fire is active. The large KV power transmission line is within this fire area & has been de-energized several times. This power line supplies power to the Phoenix area. There is also concern for wildlife & cultural resources.